I recently purchased a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. On the freeway a while ago, it shook violently and then the engine cut off. I couldn't accelerate anymore and smoke filled it. I pulled to the side of the road, and checked the dipstick it was smoking. I couldn't find any oil on the dipstick. I let it cool down for a couple hours and came back and put oil in it. I couldn't find the oil on the dipstick or the ground. When I tried to start it, it attempt to turn then stopped. Now it just clicks. And the headlights flash, and the inside makes a weird clicking sound whether I turn the key or not. I had to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining. When I started it previous to this incident, it kicked out smoked, was loud, and I could smell th efumes from the inside. I don't know where to start, I would appreciate any advice or guesses on how to get this fixed, and prices it may cost. Thanks and God bless.

The flashing lights is your alarm and the clicking sound inside is the solenoid operating the lights. 94 has IR keyless entry remotes which is the little bubble you see on your overhead console. Pressing the unlock button should disarm the alarm. If you do not have the remote or is inoperable, lock and unlock the PASSENGER door with the key. Have the door closed for this. This will also disarm the alarm.

As far as oil, depending if you have the 5.2L and how many miles you have on it, it may have burned it. Mine will burn a out a quart every 1500 miles, sometimes less. So you won't see oil in ground or around engine leaking. Another culprit on those engines is the rear main seal. Check your tranny bell housing for excessive amounts of oil. That's indicative of a bad rear seal and or bad valve cover gaskets as it lakes backwards and down from the top ending up in this area as well.

Worst case is the engine seized. That sucks. Best case scenario, deactivating the alarm and some oil in the engine will start her up again.

Reading your post again I realized that you mentioned that "it tried to start". That's good since it means it s not seized up. That's your alarm system that's activated keeping it from starting. ( Shuts off fuel system)

Do the key lock and unlock on the passenger side and she should start right up. :-)

Another thing to remember is that merely no oil in the dipstick does not mean that the engine is completely empty. This is because the dipstick is designed to only go down into the pan a certain distance. If I recall right, three quarts and over is when the oil will start to show up on the stick.

Thank you, so now I can have my battery connected. And the clicking and flashing lights stop. But everytime I turn the key, the engine makes a click click click sound. It doesn't start, then the alarm comes back on. I hope this helps you pinpoint the problem.

Is the engine turning over? That would isolate lock-up, however The clicking sound you describe and the lights flashing sounds like a battery issue. Either the batt is done or the connections are weak.

Much appreciated guys. I had it towed to a shop, and as it turns out my engine locked. Due to a rod, breaking through the oil pan. And now I'm trying to find a reputable and trustworthy mech to drop a engine. I'm in the Southfield MI area. If you could direct me to anyone I'd very much appreciate it. God bless you all.